10 films you should see at the Chicago International Film Festival

With over 125 feature films, the Chicago International Film Festival can seem a little overwhelming. So we had founder and artistic director Michael Kutza and programming director Mimi Plauche pick 10 films that would be good for anyone looking to test the waters.

1. “Layla M.”

A Dutch-Moroccan teen is fed up with the discrimination she faces as a Muslim and decides to take action. “I think it’s such a great portrait,” Plauche said. “You get the different perspectives of the young woman and the people around her who don’t want her to get involved with the radical movement to the friends who are motivating her.”

2. “The Autopsy of Jane Doe”

A father-son coroner team try solve a beautiful woman’s mysterious cause of death in this scary flick. “It’s a good entry point for someone’s who’s not necessarily a horror film fan,” Plauche said.

3. “You’re Killing Me, Susana”

A womanizing actor’s wife leaves him in the middle of the night, and he has to track her down. “A great Mexican comedy,” Kutza said.

4. “Paradise”

A Russian film about three intertwining lives in Nazi Europe. “It’s a really strong film in our main competition,” Kutza said.

Dale Robinette /

Dale Robinette /

5. “La La Land”

Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone reunite on screen for this magical tribute to classic Hollywood musicals. “It’s today’s generation of ‘Singing in the Rain,’” Kutza said.

6. “Insatiable: The Homaro Cantu Story”

A documentary about a successful chef who also sought to tackle world hunger. “A foodie film that’s perfect for Chicago because it’s all about a Chicago guy,” Kutza said.

7. "Prevenge"

An expecting mother becomes convinced that her unborn baby is telling her to kill people. “Fascinating [and] rather amusing,” Kutza said.

Andrew Ogilvy Photography /

Andrew Ogilvy Photography /

8. "Kaleidoscope"

An ex-con tries to return to the dating game, but his mother gets in the way. “It’s like ‘Psycho,’” Kutza said. “There’s a mother problem.”

9. "The Last Laugh"

A documentary in which famous comedians such as Sarah Silverman and Mel Brooks see how far you can push humor. “A funny Hitler film,” Kutza said. “[It’s about] how far can you actually go? They go as far as they can, and it’s really funny.”

10. "Lost in Paris"

A quirky story about a Canadian woman who travels to Paris to rescue her aunt from a nursing home. “A French comedy that I think is really delightful because it’s great physical comedy,” Plauche said.